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Two officers could be charged over death of Aston Villa player Dalian Atkinson

Former Aston Villa player Dalian Atkinson died in 2016 after he was shot with a police taser. Credit: PA

Two police officers could be charged in relation to the death of Aston Villa player Dalian Atkinson.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had referred evidence relating to the footballer's death to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider potential criminal charges against two police officers.

Mr Atkinson was shot with a police Taser in Telford in August 2016. The 48-year-old died in hospital.

The referral marks the end of an IOPC investigation into the incident on Meadow Close on August 15 2016.

Mr Atkinson was Tasered by police on Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford. Credit: PA

Dalian Atkinson was a striker for Aston Villa. Credit: PA

Three West Mercia Police officers were interviewed twice and served with gross misconduct notices. The officers had attended the incident and were involved in detaining Mr Atkinson before he was taken to hospital. The IOPC say the actions of the third officer have not been referred.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "On the basis of the evidence gathered I have decided to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any potential criminal charges over the interaction two police officers had with Dalian Atkinson.

"This has been a lengthy and complex investigation and I am grateful for the patience shown by all concerned. We have kept West Mercia Police, Dalian’s family, and HM Coroner informed during the course of the investigation."